NHS gives heatwave health advice

Derbyshire health chiefs have urged sun seekers to stay well by taking sensible precautions in the heatwave predicted by the Met Office to continue into next week.

After a slight drop in temperatures today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday 10 and 11 July) the thermometer is expected to rise as high as 27C in Derbyshire over the weekend, with overnight temperatures of around 17C.

Heatwaves can cause dehydration and overheating, aggravating symptoms for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing, or are susceptible to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Older people, babies and young children are most at risk from hot weather.

Now, the NHS Erewash and Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have urged residents to keep cool by wearing loose cotton clothes, spraying or splashing faces and the backs of necks with cold water several times a day, staying in the coolest rooms of the house as much as possible and drinking lots of cold drinks.

People should avoid drinking too much alcohol, and reduce heat by keeping windows closed when rooms are cooler than the outside temperature. Windows should be opened at night when the temperature has dropped outside.

It is best to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, particularly between 11am and 3pm.

Babies and young children should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible, given plenty of water to drink, and placed in the shade or preferably a cool room indoors.

Young skin is also much more at risk of burning so sunhats and a high factor sunscreen should be used to protect children’s delicate skin.

Dr Avi Bhatia, Chair of Erewash CCG, said:

“In the UK, we often have to wait months on end for some decent weather. Therefore, it’s a real temptation to throw caution to the wind and spend too long outdoors when the temperature finally rises.

“However, we all need to be sensible to ensure that fun in the sun doesn’t end in the misery of heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn.”

His words were echoed by Dr Sheila Newport, Chair of Southern Derbyshire CCG:

“By taking a few simple precautions, it’s possible to enjoy the lovely summer weather without falling ill. I’d urge anyone worried about the forecast heatwave to visit the NHS Choices website where there’s lots of good advice on staying safe while enjoying yourself.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

NHS Erewash CCG represents 12 GP practices, acting on behalf of 96,000 patients in Ilkeston, Long Eaton and surrounding villages. They are one of four clinical commissioning groups in the county responsible for the healthcare of people in Derbyshire.

NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG represents 57 GP practices and is one of four clinical commissioning groups in the county responsible for the healthcare of people in Derbyshire.